Universal Patient Room
The design of the Universal Patient Room has the patient experience as its starting point. UPR optimizes for Industrialized Construction and leverages OEM supply chains for best in class finishes and versatility. A rigorous workshop process provided a venue for collaboration and alignment with clinicians and user groups.
This project was completed while serving as design director for BLOX.
To learn more about BLOX, visit www.bloxbuilt.com
Client
UHS (w/ BLOX)
Year
2019
Category
Medical
Interior
Critical Care
Type of Work
Design
Prototyping
IC Program Development
The room is designed for flexible delivery and meets volumetric, kit-of-parts and hybrid construction constraints to give the client flexibility in rolling out the level of Industrialized Construction as opportunities allow.
UPR is also designed for clinical versatility. MEP racks in the corridor are configured to provide pressurization for the nursing wing if needed. The modular seahing can be removed to convert the room from a med-surg to higher acuity modes such as step-down or ICU.
A primary design driver is natural daylight and views from the patient bed. This configuration promotes healing, recovery and sleep for the patient but requires a precise calibration of clearances at the entry and bathroom so that patient monitoring and clinician work remains unimpeded.
A circadian lighting system and automated roll down blinds at the window assist in maintaining natural sleep rythms for the occupant.
A bathroom core module integrates entry, hand-wash sink, charting, bathroom access and a continuous handrail from the patient bed to the bathroom. These elements are positioned for eye contact with the patient on entry, hand wash and charting.
The modular bathroom features large format solid surface panels. The jointless application improves infection control performance by eliminating grout joints. A curbless shower with inline drains reduces the trip hazards at the shower entry and provides standard roll-in capability at every unit. Continuous handrails aroung the unit also are designed to reduce fall and trip hazards.
A large format screen doubles as a telemedicine portal and personalized entertainment system. When not in use, the screen acts as a second window, providing views to the surrounding mountain landscape. Integrated speakers at the ceiling provide sound at a comfortable volume at the head position.
Valved connections at the ceiling allow for easy upgrades to the modular headwall system. Panels at the head can be swapped out so that med gas, vacuum, power and coms outlets can be reconfigured. Modular graphic panels feature visual elements from the Hospital's in house art program.
A switch glass viewing station at the entry alcove provides the clinician views to the patient head in two units from the corridor.
A series of collaborative workshops were held with the clients clinical staff to ensure alignment, functionality and operational efficiency targets were met.
The unit is intended to leverage a number of important OEM relationships for the manufacturer. Herman Miller, Dupont and Interface were involved in the development of the room.
